David Avanesyan vs Michael McKinson
It was reported at last week's WBO convention that David Avanesyan (29-4-1, 17KO) will face Briton Michael McKinson (25-1, 4KO) on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth, December 16, live on Sky Sports.
Trained by Carl Greaves, the former world champion made his bones fighting at home in Russia, before being adopted by the UK. He beat a shell of former boxing superstar Shane Mosley (UD 12), then pushed Lamont Peterson close, narrowly losing a 12-round decision.
The 35-year-old was stopped by Egidijus Kavaliauskas (TKO 6) but rebounded to win six fights including an on-the-road win over Kerman Lejarraga (TKO 9) to claim the European title. Also took the unbeaten record of talented Josh Kelly (TKO 6). Was knocked out by Terence Crawford (KO 6) when he challenged for the WBO title last December.
McKinson turned professional in 2014. The Brit worked his way up on small hall shows across the country before stepping up and taking the unbeaten records of Luis Alberto Veron (UD 10), Michael Harkin (UD 10) and Chris Kongo (UD 10).
However, the 29-year-old lost for the first time when he stepped up into world class against big-punching Vergil Ortiz (TKO 9). The tricky southpaw has since returned with three wins, including one on the undercard of Okolie-Billam-Smith in May.
In the main event, Chris Billam-Smith (18-1, 12KO) will make the first defence of his WBO cruiserweight title against veteran Mateusz Masternak (47-5, 31KO).
Former opponent and close friend, Lawrence Okolie, held the WBO title from 2020-2023 but conceded it to former teammate Billam-Smith in May. 'The Sauce' had a rematch clause in the contract but it appears to have chosen a different direction, for now.
33-year-old CBS is The Ring’s No. 4-rated cruiserweight after claiming the WBO title by beating former teammate Lawrence Okolie in what was a very messy fight, but one where he surprised the word with three knockdowns against a man that had never been troubled before.
Polish puncher Masternak is The Ring’s No.10-rated cruiserweight. Now 36, the 52-fight veteran turned professional 17 years ago in 2006. He passed up a shot at Ring and IBF ruler Jai Opetaia in favour of this shot at Billam-Smith.
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